Linguistic Sexism in Peer-Reviewed Research Influences Recall But Not Perceptions

Abstract

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) prohibits bias in academic writing. One bias regarding gender is male firstness (i.e., the persistent placement of masculine terms before feminine ones). A recent content analysis found that a male-firstness bias exists in peer-reviewed social science journals. Using a sample of faculty members and graduate students (n = 754), we sought to examine the potential effects of male firstness in academic writing. Participants were randomly assigned to read the results of a bogus research article that demonstrated female firstness or male firstness; we also manipulated the topic of the article to be neutral, feminine, or masculine. Participants then responded to measures assessing perceptions and recall. The order of gendered terms and results seemed to influence readers’ recall of information but not their perceptions of the writing. Given these effects, researchers should strive to be conscious of male firstness when writing.

Author Contributions

M. Willis developed the study concept. M. Willis and K. N. Jozkowski designed the study. M. Willis performed data collection and analysis. M. Willis drafted the manuscript, and K. N. Jozkowski provided critical revisions. Both authors approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.